Not in our Neighborhood!
by Tom Fabel and Eric Wood
Directed by Richard D. Thompson
October 14–October 24, 2021
Viewer discretion is advised: Given the historical period of this play, there may be language and/or images that some may find disturbing or offensive.
1924. Nellie and William Francis, residents of St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, had the courage to buy a home in the ‘all-white’ Groveland Park. Although William was a successful lawyer and prominent figure in the Republican Party and Nellie was a leader in the Suffragist Movement and responsible for Minnestota’s Anti-Lynching Bill, they found themselves forced to STAND TALL in the face of ugly, racist protests and KKK-like behavior when they bought the home of their dreams.
Witness a story that never made it into the history books. This couple pursued the American dream, despite the efforts of their new neighbors to intimidate them. They would not be denied!
Reviews are in!
- No theater helps us understand our local history better than History Theatre (cherryandspoon, 10/15/21)
- History Theatre's 'Not in our Neighborhood!' is a valuable history lesson (Pioneer Press, 10/15/21)
Learn more about William T. and Nellie Francis:
- History Theatre play "Not in our Neighborhood" shines light on a dark St. Paul story (MPR Minnesota Now, 10/19/21)
- Watch Making a Scene: Not in our Neighborhood! (Guests Darius Dotch and Erin Nicole Farsté, Oct 7, 2021)
- Watch interview with playwrights Tom Fabel and Eric Wood (July 24, 2020)
- William T. Francis, at Home and Abroad (Ramsey County History, Paul D. Nelson, Winter 2017
- Where is Nellie Francis? (Rachel Neiwert, Associate Professor of History, St. Catherine University)
- Mrs. W.T. Francis Praises stand by Woman Suffragists (Appeal, Oct 12, 1918)
- St. Paul Honors Nellie Francis
- William T. Francis will change home location (Minneapolis Star, Nov 11, 1924)
- A Citizen of Fine Spirit (Douglas R. Heidenreich, Mitchell Hamline Magazine, Fall 2000)
- View Citizen, recent documentary about Nellie Francis's suffrage work
- Votes for Women: Nellie Griswold Francis (1874-1969) Minnesota Historical Society
- Votes for Women Education: Nellie Francis (Educator Jessica Ellison and researcher Ami Naff - Oct 1, 2020)
- Nellie Griswold Francis: The Vicissitudes of Activism for Women and Race (William D. Green, Minnesota History, Fall 2020)
Featuring Erin Nicole Farsté and Darius Dotch
The Cast
NEW! A Streaming Option
Stream "Not in our Neighborhood!" from the comfort of your home October 20-24.
- Pricing: Single tickets: $25/individual; $40/household BUY TICKETS
- Group rates: $125/groups of 10-30; $175/groups of 31+. Contact Craig Cerrato, Group Sales, 651-292-4320 or email groups@historytheatre.com Note: Prices are per stream and subject to change.
View "Welcoming the Dear Neighbor?" art project
- Click here to view student works and learn more about the project
- Mapping Prejudice Project - University of Minnesota
- Welcoming the Dear Neighbor?
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Dates and times of History Theatre productions are subject to change in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19 in accordance with state and local restrictions. For latest details regarding our return to live performances at History Theatre, please visit this webpage
- To download History Theatre's COVID-19 safety protocols, please click Covid-19 protocols at History Theatre.pdf